The Macbook Air: You're all really poor

[bluelight]

Let the OP speak for himself. His remarks were uncalled for. But the pattern is clear: if a person expresses valid objections to an Apple product, he or she will receive a clear message: "you can't afford it", "don't whine", "you're a looser". If he or she suggest another (non Apple) product it is crap. Thought police in full swing.

On a random note, I just finished studying 1984 at school. I really liked it...


I really like the way HLdan was able to see the purpose of this post and not take what was said in it offensively. It was not my intention to offend anyone, nor was it my intention to call anyone poor, it was simply a hyperbole used to express what HLdan described in a way that I was not able to do. If I could chose anyone to speak for myself, it would be him, because he seems to have a good hold on what I'm trying to get across.

 

[Mr.PS]

I agree, MBA all the way! If you can't afford it, don't trash it, buy something else.

 

[trancepriest]

I really like the way HLdan was able to see the purpose of this post and not take what was said in it offensively. It was not my intention to offend anyone, nor was it my intention to call anyone poor, it was simply a hyperbole used to express what HLdan described in a way that I was not able to do. If I could chose anyone to speak for myself, it would be him, because he seems to have a good hold on what I'm trying to get across.

Your post is meant to be incendiary... i would presume that there aren't too many mac mini users on these forums. You are talking to a demographic that can afford a $1800 computer. Most of the people that have time to hangout on Macrumors are mac addicts. Its hard to be a mac addict that can't afford a $1800 computer. Also people that can easily afford the MBA have chimed in... lots of them. I'm getting an MBA for free... I still don't like the lack of WAN or Firewire. When mine arrives I will have to look into a USB EVDO solution. Some problems have been addressed like the replaceable battery issue... the current Apple solution of a $129 battery replacement is good enough for me. The sub notebook market with its high premium over head was meant mainly for business travelers... in that regards the lack of a built-in EVDO option is disappointing.

 

[bluelight]

Your post is meant to be incendiary... i would presume that there aren't too many mac mini users on these forums. You are talking to a demographic that can afford a $1800 computer. People that can easily afford the MBA have chimed in... lots of them. I'm getting an MBA for free... I still don't like the lack of WAN or Firewire. When mine arrives I will have to look into a USB EVDO solution. Some problems have been addressed like the replaceable battery issue... the current Apple solution of a $129 battery replacement is good enough for me. The sub notebook market with its high premium over head was meant mainly for business travelers... in that regards the lack of a built-in EVDO option is disappointing.

There are obvious flaws in the MacBook Air, but I still think that people should not associate price with these flaws. I think without seeing the price, there are more people that see the MBA as a great "toy," as you have called it, and that's fine. People like toys. This thread was initially intended to show that underneath the price tag is a great Apple product. People are likely to complain about it, and that's fine, but in my opinion, which doesn't carry too much weight around here, clouding your mind with how much something costs really does change your perspective on something such as the MBA. Many people, truthfully, do like the MBA, but are so caught up with its price that they seem to only want to point out its flaws.

 

[heatmiser]

There are obvious flaws in the MacBook Air, but I still think that people should not associate price with these flaws. I think without seeing the price, there are more people that see the MBA as a great "toy," as you have called it, and that's fine. People like toys. This thread was initially intended to show that underneath the price tag is a great Apple product. People are likely to complain about it, and that's fine, but in my opinion, which doesn't carry too much weight around here, clouding your mind with how much something costs really does change your perspective on something such as the MBA. Many people, truthfully, do like the MBA, but are so caught up with its price that they seem to only want to point out its flaws.

It might be a great product, but we can't have an honest discussion on its merits without taking its fiscal value into account. As currently priced, the Macbook Air is about as valid as pricing the Macbook halfway between the 15" midline Pro and the 17" Pro, and championing it due to its choice of coloring, diminutive size, and decreased weight in comparison with either of its competitors. No matter how many people defend the merits of such a decision, many people would still find it absurd for the Macbook to be priced halfway between far more capable machines. This is exactly what's going on with the MBA.

 

[bluelight]

It might be a great product, but we can't have an honest discussion on its merits without taking its fiscal value into account. As currently priced, the Macbook Air is about as valid as pricing the Macbook halfway between the 15" midline Pro and the 17" Pro, and championing it due to its choice of coloring, diminutive size, and decreased weight in comparison with either of its competitors. No matter how many people defend the merits of such a decision, many people would still find it absurd for the Macbook to be priced halfway between far more capable machines. This is exactly what's going on with the MBA.

I guess we'll have to wait and see how the MBA does in sales. Surely that will say something about its merit.

You make some very valid points, but as I am not concerned with price when it comes to Apple products, just as many others aren't, I feel that I can look at the Macbook Air more objectively

 

[trancepriest]

I guess we'll have to wait and see how the MBA does in sales. Surely that will say something about its merit.

You make some very valid points, but as I am not concerned with price when it comes to Apple products, just as many others aren't, I feel that I can look at the Macbook Air more objectively

Lets look at this another way... would you be annoyed if 2 months after purchasing the MBA another model came out with 2 usb ports, firewire and built in 3g? Do you want any of these features?

 

[boast]

if ppl are willing to pay 2 grand for a 2.2ghz laptop, I'm sure they'll be buying a MBA too.

 

[bluelight]

Lets look at this another way... would you be annoyed if 2 months after purchasing the MBA another model came out with 2 usb ports, firewire and built in 3g? Do you want any of these features?

I wouldn't be annoyed. For me, the MBA already has everything I need and anything more takes away from its simplicity. But even despite that, there is always something new on the market. The MBA would still be a great product even if something new came to replace it. ,,, nd I don't think it's a question of comparing one notebook with another either, I think it comes down to asking yourself if the MBA suits your needs. For many people, it does.

 

[HLdan]

Lets look at this another way... would you be annoyed if 2 months after purchasing the MBA another model came out with 2 usb ports, firewire and built in 3g? Do you want any of these features?

You are stating the inevitable. Everything you buy is like that, things are meant to be trumped by the next model forthcoming, your point is basically moot.

 

[trancepriest]

I wouldn't be annoyed.

OK I can understand that... what kind of Macs do you currently own right now? What kind of Macs have you purchased before that satisfied all your requirements irregardless of the price tag?

You are stating the inevitable. Everything you buy is like that, things are meant to be trumped by the next model forthcoming, your point is basically moot.

So would you be annoyed?

 

[DakotaGuy]

It's not that the OP is calling you poor in a sense but rather he is saying that people who tend to bitch and whine about something and say they have no intention of buying is essentially blowing a smoke screen when in essence they really want it but hide the fact they can't afford.

And before you rebuttal saying "I'm entitled to your voice my opinions about Apple's products", it doesn't just end up being an opinion, it's almost like Apple pissed some of the forum members off or something.

A company is entitled to make whatever they want and if the consumer doesn't like or want it just simply say, "It's not for me", rather than waste time acting pissed off or whine and nitpick everything as if you want to C-Block the next buyer since you cant' afford it.

Ok..."It's not for me" Anyone else?

 

[trancepriest]

More people would be in the market for an MBA if it lived up to the marketing hype of "Air" and included 3G wireless. Lots of people are in the market for an MBA type device.. just not one missing essential features common to other sub notebooks on the market. I'm at home now... sitting in front of 3 desks with at least $30,000 worth of just Apple products. I would like an MBA with 3G and a firewire port. Those features are essential to my needs.

 

[bluelight]

OK I can understand that... what kind of Macs do you currently own right now? What kind of Macs have you purchased before that satisfied all your requirements irregardless of the price tag?



So would you be annoyed?

I feel like this thread is going way off topic, but I have an HP dv5000, a black MacBook, and a 17" MacBook Pro. Mac is not the only one who makes products that fit my needs.

Anyways, all the computers I have now satisfy my needs, but I would say that a lot of the ports, the optical drives, the ethernet port, etc, are not necessary for a student such as myself. So, I'm easily satisfied, which you may not be. I guess that's why we see the MBA differently

 

[Music_Producer]

Sheesh.. it's really getting tiresome now to hear people complain about the price all the time. So Sony can make a VAIO that's thicker than the MBA.. has a smaller screen.. and weaker performance.. but priced $300 more? Why?

I'm seeing this insane pricing mentality permeate in everyone.. the MBA is expensive because of it's design. If you don't *need* that convenience, then obviously you have the MacBook, or the MacBook PRO as options. What the hell is everyone so pissed about?

The OP is absolutely correct in stating that people *want* the MBA.. but can't justify spending that kind of money on it.. so they complain.

 

[trancepriest]

I feel like this thread is going way off topic, but I have an HP dv5000, a black MacBook, and a 17" MacBook Pro. Mac is not the only one who makes products that fit my needs.

Anyways, all the computers I have now satisfy my needs, but I would say that a lot of the ports, the optical drives, the ethernet port, etc, are not necessary for a student such as myself. So, I'm easily satisfied, which you may not be. I guess that's why we see the MBA differently

Well I think macrumors visitors can understand the MBA not having an optical drive. We generally know the segment of the market this device was intended for.. hence more disappointed at the lack of 3G. For Apple to abandon the firewire port is another disappointment. I too would be annoyed at people complaining about the MBA not having an optical drive. I think those types of people are not in the market for a premium device like the MBA. I am in the market for a premium device like the MBA... I would take it without the USB port if it had a firewire port. Heck I would even admire it if it included 3G wireless and no firewire port... I wouldn't purchase it though. The 3G thing can be solved with a USB adapter... although that kind of kills the sleekness factor that you paid so much money for. The lack of a firewire port is the real issue.

Sheesh.. it's really getting tiresome now to hear people complain about the price all the time. So Sony can make a VAIO that's thicker than the MBA.. has a smaller screen.. and weaker performance.. but priced $300 more? Why?

I'm seeing this insane pricing mentality permeate in everyone.. the MBA is expensive because of it's design. If you don't *need* that convenience, then obviously you have the MacBook, or the MacBook PRO as options. What the hell is everyone so pissed about?

The OP is absolutely correct in stating that people *want* the MBA.. but can't justify spending that kind of money on it.. so they complain.

It's getting tiring to see people like you mention pricing again.

 

[HLdan]

So would you be annoyed?

I'll answer your question this way, I have never purchased an Apple product that was soon phased out in favor of the newer model earlier than 6 months. When that new model came out, sure, I wasn't thrilled but only because I no longer have the latest and greatest and the new features that Apple offered trumped mine. Did my older one perform any worse than when I bought it? No.
So would I be "annoyed"? No. Who would I be annoyed at? Apple? Myself? No. I bought something that fulfilled my needs upon purchase and Apple did not jack me on the purchase.
That's why I said, you're stating the inevitable.

 

[trancepriest]

I admit it... I'm too poor to purchase the MBA and I'm jealous of everyone that has $1800 right now. Even though I'm getting one for free. I really wish I could purchase it on my own... just for the satisfaction of blowing my own money. Wait guys let me take a more recent picture... keep posting... i'll be back.

 

[bluelight]

I admit it... I'm too poor to purchase the MBA and I'm jealous of everyone that has $1800 right now. Even though I'm getting one for free. I really wish I could purchase it on my own... just for the satisfaction of blowing my own money. Wait guys let me take a more recent picture... keep posting... i'll be back.

I finally understand you.

you're one of those messy people who doesn't value your apple products, and aligns them on an ugly table in an ugly room... (for lack of better terms)

I'm an actual apple fan who values the computers I purchase from apple

you're not as i can see from that trashy photograph.

it finally makes sense.

 

[trancepriest]

I finally understand you.

you're one of those messy people who doesn't value your apple products, and aligns them on an ugly table in an ugly room... (for lack of better terms)

I'm an actual apple fan who values the computers I purchase from apple

you're not as i can see from that trashy photograph.

it finally makes sense.

You are one of those poor people that treasures every little small mediocre status symbol of a temporary and trivial nature. I'm rich... so I don't give a damn... peasant. Hey wait... let me find the new pic.

Hot off the poor mans trashy desk that can't afford an MBA:



Bluelight... click on the above for a bigger version. Sorry i couldn't put some other stuff on the desk. If you want girlfriend, house, hummer & escalade shots.. put a request in writing.

 

[teleromeo]

how much costs your girlfriend ?

 

[trancepriest]

how much costs your girlfriend ?

She came with the house.

 

[kashik]

that setup is sick

 

[trancepriest]

that setup is sick

Thank you Sir.

 

[tuneman07]

You know while reading this thread I couldn't help but think about Gucci, Versace, Prada, etc.... those crazy designer things that cost an unreal amount of money. I could go out and buy a 5 or 600 dollar pair of shoes, or a thousand dollar wallet, or a 400 dollar pair of pants, and those things would all suit my needs, but I don't need to spend that much for these things and often they aren't as durable as a pair of Levi's or Nikes.

Interestingly enough though these products all sell so some people are willing to pay and maybe the MBA will sell although I doubt it.

As for why I am pissed about the MBA I am pissed because I want a MB or MBP update. I don't think I'm alone in that desire either. A lot of people feel like Apple went in sort of an odd direction with this thing when they wanted a more sensible computer option. Many people in line for MB/MBP waited until MWSF and got something they wouldn't even consider buying.

BTW: Trancepriest's setup is sick, 2 bad he's poor